Off
'Off' is often mixed with 'of' which is pretty normal but note that they are very different. In this lesson, we will learn all about 'off.'
'Off' is sometimes confused with 'of', but you should keep in mind that they are totally different. To be able to distinguish their difference, follow this lesson.
Functions of 'Off'
1. 'Off' as a Preposition
Use
'Off' as the preposition is used before nouns to describe a relation between the noun to another element of the sentence. This is the list of the contexts in which 'off' is used:
- 'Off' shows separation, distance, or removal.
I cut a slice
The ball bounced
- 'Off' shows the money, food, energy, etc., supplied by someone or something.
She used to live
She lives
She makes money through lending or cultivating on her land.
- 'Off' shows the object of an action.
I bought a book
I borrowed a book
from
- 'Off' shows the source or cause of something.
He spends the money he obtained
- 'Off' shows something is below the usual standard or level of something else.
He is
He does not play as always.
I asked him to knock $200
Position in a Sentence
'Off' as the preposition is used before nouns or pronouns to establish a relationship between two nouns.
I asked him to knock $100
I bought a book
2. 'Off' as an Adverb
Use
'Off' as the adverb is used to describe a verb and adds some meaning to it. Here is the list of situations in which you can use 'off.'
- 'Off' shows away from a place.
The cat ran
The motorcycle sped
- 'Off' shows something that moves or is moved and it is no longer attached to something.
His hat fell
The letter rolled
- 'Off' shows the state of into sleep.
I dozed
He drifted
- 'Off' is used to describe a state to stop something.
Shut the water
Turn the tv
- 'Off' is used to describe a state to finish something.
We paid it
Finish it
- 'Off' shows away from regular work.
I took the day
Steve, take time
Position in a Sentence
'Off' as the adverb is used to modify the verb, so it usually comes after the verb. Notice that the difference between the preposition 'off' and the adverb 'off' is that the preposition takes a noun.
The cat ran
'Off' adds a new meaning to the verb 'ran.'
Shut the water
3. 'Off' as an Adjective
Use
'Off' as the adjective is also known as the subject complement as it comes after the linking verb 'be'. Take a look:
- 'Off' shows not attached to or covering something.
The lid is
- 'Off' shows not operating, functioning, or flowing.
The electricity is
The water of this park is
- 'Off' shows something that someone is no longer doing or using.
She is
The officers were
- 'Off' shows someone who is away from home or work.
She is
I called you but you were
- 'Off' as an adjective has a similar meaning to 'not correct' in the informal American English.
Your answer is way
These words are
- 'Off' shows something is below the usual price or value.
Home appliances are
This shirt is 10%
- 'Off' means not as good as usual.
My math is
- 'Off' as an adjective can be used to describe something, usually food, is no longer fresh, spoiled.
The milk is
The fish is a bit
Off + Noun
'Off' as the adjective can be used before nouns as well in two cases:
1. to indicate a very low degree, synonymous with 'slight'
There is an
2. 'Off' also come before a noun to indicate not as busy or active as other periods of time.
We go on holiday during the
Position in a Sentence
'Off' as an adjective is either used before a noun to describe it or as a subject complement to complete the meaning of the linking verb 'be.'
We go on holiday during the
'Off' comes before the noun 'season.'
This shirt is 10%
'Off' is the subject complement.
4. 'Off' as a Verb
Use
'Off' as the verb is used in American English to indicate
The gangster wants to
Position in a Sentence
'Off' as the verb stands after the subject to indicate someone kills someone else.
She has decided to
Tip
'Off' as the noun is used in the American English to indicate the beginning of something like:
I knew from the
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